Rayburn J Smith

He was born in Ashville, Alabama to the late Rosa Lee and Morgan Smith.

After graduating from Hewitt-Trussville High School in 1945, Rayburn joined the US Horse Calvary and eventually transferred to the regular US Army. He later served in the US Naval Reserve while attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. In 1951 he married the love of his life, Mary Jo Haynes, moving her to Columbus, Mississippi where he had started what was to be a multi-decade career in aviation, retiring from the Thompson Tractor Aviation Department in 1989. Rayburn earned every pilot rating and maintenance technician rating available during his career. Most notably, he received the prestigious FAA Charles Taylor Award for his efforts at the end of his career.

In the early 1950’s Rayburn brought his young family to Pell City, where he continued to serve God, raise a family, work, and spend time on his beloved farm. However, he and Mary Jo did find the time to travel to 18 countries. Rayburn’s integrity, work ethic, and fun personality positively influenced numerous people in both his private and professional life. He was an outstanding man that will be greatly missed.

Rayburn was preceded in death by his parents, wife Mary Jo of 66 years, brothers Richard and Roland who died in WWII, Harlon, Jerry, and Amos Smith, sister Della Ruth Tidmore, and grandson Jordan Smith. He is survived by his son Michael (Becky) Smith of Marietta, Georgia; daughter Teresa (Tony) Volk of Alpharetta, Georgia; and grandchildren Aaron, Meredith and Miranda Volk, and Joslyn Smith; and sister-in laws Sara Smith and Billie Rose (Glenn) Howard.

A funeral service will be held Thursday, February 17, 2022 at 11:00 am at Kilgroe Funeral Home, 2219 2nd Avenue North, Pell City, Alabama with a visitation from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. A private burial will be conducted at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo. Graveside flowers are not permitted. Donations may be made to Rayburn’s favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kilgroefh.com for the Smith family.